The Ford F-150 has gone through four body generations since 2004, and fender flares are cut to the exact sheet metal, bolt holes and wheel opening of each one. A flare built for a 2014 will not line up on a 2015, and even inside one generation there are trim and package exceptions. This guide walks through every F-150 generation we carry parts for, what changes between them, which flare styles make sense, and how to confirm fit before you order. If you want the bigger picture on styles, tire coverage and install basics first, start with our truck fender flares guide, then come back here for the year-by-year detail.
You can also browse every F-150 option in one place on our Ford F-150 fender flares page.
Quick fitment table: F-150 by year
| Model years | Generation | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-2008 | 11th generation | 2004-2008 F-150 flares |
| 2009-2014 | 12th generation | 2009-2014 F-150 flares |
| 2015-2020 | 13th generation (aluminum body, refreshed 2018) | 2015-2020 F-150 flares |
| 2021-2026 | 14th generation | 2021-2026 F-150 flares |
Use the table to find your generation, then read that section below. The year range on the product page always wins over a general rule, so check the listing title and its exclusions before checkout.
2004-2008 F-150 (11th generation)
The 11th generation F-150 is a popular truck for budget lifts and bigger tires, which is exactly when flares earn their keep. Wider tires and lower offset wheels push tread out past the factory fender line, and a flare covers that tread so it is not throwing rocks and road spray down the side of the truck.
Flares for this generation are specific to it and will not cross over to 2009 and later trucks, because Ford changed the fender shape and wheel openings. Bed length and Styleside versus Flareside also matter on the rear pieces. Browse the 2004-2008 F-150 collection and match the listing to your bed and cab.
2009-2014 F-150 (12th generation)
The 12th generation is one of the most common F-150s on the road, and it is a great candidate for Pocket Style flares. The recessed bolt look suits the squared-off fenders of this truck, and it pairs well with leveling kits and 33 inch class tires.
Our in-stock pick here is the Bushwacker Pocket Style set for 2009-2014 F-150 (20929-02). Note the exclusions in the title: it does not fit the Raptor, which has its own wide factory fenders, or Flareside beds. Styleside trucks are the target. See every option in the 2009-2014 F-150 collection.
2015-2020 F-150 (13th generation)
For 2015 Ford moved the F-150 to an aluminum body. Flares for this generation mount to factory locations rather than requiring you to drill new holes in most cases, which matters on aluminum panels. Install details vary by part, so read the instructions for your exact set before you start.
The 2018 refresh changed the front end styling, and some flare part numbers split at that point. That is why you will see separate 2015-2017 and 2018-2020 listings.
2015-2017: In stock we have the Pocket Style set for 2015-2017 F-150 (20935-02), which excludes trucks with the Technology Package 68T, and the lower profile OE Style set for 2015-2017 F-150 (20937-02), which excludes the Raptor. The Tech Package exclusion is about sensors near the bumper, so check your window sticker or build sheet if you are not sure.
2018-2020: In stock we have the Pocket Style set for 2018-2020 F-150 (20945-02) and the OE Style set for 2018-2020 F-150 (20948-02). Both exclude the Raptor.
Shop the whole generation in the 2015-2020 F-150 collection.
2021-2026 F-150 (14th generation)
The current F-150 has a new body and its own flare part numbers. Pocket Style gives it a rugged off-road look; OE Style keeps the factory lines and adds a little coverage. The Lightning (electric) is excluded from both of our in-stock sets because its front fascia and fender details differ.
In stock: the Pocket Style set for 2021-2026 F-150 (20963-02) and the OE Style set for 2021-2023 F-150 (20962-02). Note the OE Style listing is 2021-2023 only, so 2024 and newer owners should look at the Pocket Style set or browse the 2021-2026 F-150 collection.
Pocket Style vs OE Style on an F-150
Both styles are vehicle specific and paintable. The difference is the look and how much tread they cover.
- Pocket Style has recessed faux bolts around the edge and a taller, wider profile. It is the usual pick for leveled or lifted trucks with wider tires. Browse all Pocket Style fender flares.
- OE Style follows the factory fender shape with a slimmer profile. It is the pick when you want a clean, near stock look with some added coverage. Browse all OE Style fender flares.
Exact coverage per side varies by part number. Pocket Style sets generally add more coverage than OE Style sets; check the listing for your part number for the exact figure. If your tire pokes out more than the listed coverage, a flare alone will not fully cover it.
Tire size, offset and when you need flares
Most F-150 owners start shopping for flares after a wheel and tire change. Two things push tread past the fender: a wider tire and a lower (more negative) wheel offset. Every step of negative offset moves the tire outward, which can help clear suspension parts but adds poke. A leveling kit or lift often goes with it, which opens up the wheel well and makes the poke more visible.
Flares solve three problems at once. They cover exposed tread so it is not slinging mud, rocks and water down the side of the truck. They protect paint near the wheel opening from chips. And in many states some level of tire coverage is required, though the exact rule varies by state, so check your state's DMV or vehicle code. A flare is not a fix for rubbing. If the tire touches the inner liner or bumper at full lock, that needs trimming, a different offset or a smaller tire.
What install looks like
Most owners install flares at home in an afternoon with hand tools. The general process is the same across sets: clean the wheel opening, apply the edge trim that comes with the flares, remove any factory screws or clips the instructions call out, hold the flare in place, start every fastener loosely, then tighten once everything lines up. Install on a warm day or let the flares sit in the sun first, because the plastic flexes more easily when it is warm. Install time and the exact steps depend on the part number, so read the instructions for your set before you start.
After install, wash flares with the same soap you use on the truck. Avoid harsh solvents on unpainted black plastic, and check fastener tightness after the first few hundred miles.
How to confirm fit before you order
- Confirm your model year and generation from the table above.
- Check bed style. Styleside and Flareside rear fenders are different.
- Look for exclusions in the product title: Raptor, Lightning, Technology Package and similar.
- Measure tire poke: hold a straightedge down from the fender lip and measure how far tread sits past it.
- If anything is unclear, send us your year, trim, bed length and tire size and we will check fit before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do 2015-2020 F-150 fender flares fit a 2021 or newer F-150?
No. The 2021 F-150 is a new generation with different fender shapes and mounting points. Use a flare listed for 2021-2026.
Do fender flares fit the F-150 Raptor?
Not the sets in this guide. The Raptor has its own wide factory fenders, and our in-stock F-150 sets list the Raptor as excluded.
Do I need to drill my F-150 to install flares?
Most current Bushwacker sets for the F-150 are designed to use factory mounting points, but some applications may require minor trimming or drilling. Read the instructions for your exact part number before you start.
Can I paint F-150 fender flares to match my truck?
Yes. The Pocket Style and OE Style sets we carry ship in a matte black finish that can be painted. Use a plastic adhesion promoter and a paint shop that works with ABS trim for the best result.
Which F-150 fender flares are in stock right now?
Our in-stock F-150 sets cover 2009-2014, 2015-2017, 2018-2020 and 2021-2026 in Pocket Style, plus OE Style for 2015-2017, 2018-2020 and 2021-2023. Stock changes, so check the product page for current availability.
Still not sure what fits?
Send us your year, trim, cab, bed length and tire size and we will match the right set. For style comparisons and install tips across every truck, read the full truck fender flares guide, or browse all Ford fender flares.